Debuting their new red helmets, the Crusaders opened the varsity football season Friday against a powerhouse Andale team on a "50-something"-game winning streak.  Turnovers plagued Wellington early in the game and there was no beating Andale's rushing game (The Indians rushed for 416 yards to our 45.), but there were still many promising things happening on the field for the Crusaders. 

Quarterback Dusty Bannister threw for 251 passing yards on the night to a wide array of receivers, and Wellington's offensive game forced the Indians to keep their varsity defense in for the duration.  After a 0-24 start, including Andale scoring on the opening kickoff and a subsequent fumble recovery, Wellington put some points on the board midway through the 1st quarter with a 52-yard touchdown on a pass to junior Carter Burnett followed by a good 2-point conversion.

In the second quarter, Wellington scored again on a reception to Grady Norris which led to another successful 2-point conversion, and then senior Maddox Black ran an impressive kick return in for an 85-yard touchdown to give the crowd a bit of a show just before halftime.  Wellington scored once more with QB Bannister running the ball in near the end of the 3rd quarter.

Even with the running clock, the teams put up over a combined 100 points for a 28-75 final.  The Crusaders will travel to battle the other Indians in Clearwater this Friday.

Statistics Courtesy of Sumner Newscow/Andale Football Staff

VARSITY FOOTBALL @ ANDALE 090123 (wgtn.cc)

Photos by Katie Ford/wellington.cc

VARSITY FOOTBALL @ ANDALE 090123 (Yearbook)

Photos by Katelyn Kessler/WHS Crusader Yearbook